Introduction and Summary

Having developed the kinematics of rotational
motion, we now turn to
the dynamics of
rotational motion. Unlike the linear case, however, we do not have Newton's
Laws to guide us in our study.
Instead, we try
to develop parallel concepts to those of linear dynamics. Still, the study of
rotational dynamics contains unique concepts and equations.

Just as force played a huge role in
linear dynamics,
we have a torque in rotational dynamics. We
begin by
defining this quantity
and showing how it acts on objects in rotational motion.
Next, we relate
torque to our study
of kinematics through an equation very similar to Newton's Second Law. In
addition, we develop concepts of work, kinetic
energy, and
power similar to those seen in linear motion, and
develop equations to describe the combined motion of linear and angular motion.

This SparkNote holds perhaps the most information on rotational motion. We
develop a multitude of equations to describe the motion, relate force, torque,
and kinematic quantities, and even study the complexities of combined motion. From
this chapter one can gain a full understanding of the causes and effects of rotational motion.